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Dear Community Justice Workers:
We hope you have been finding ways to enjoy the summer despite the sweltering heat wave across the state! During extreme weather seasons, many people take refuge indoors, making it all the more important to make sure conditions are habitable in our homes. Read on to learn how to request necessary repairs from landlords to ensure the health and safety of our housing!
Healthy and Safe Housing is a Right!
All rental agreements include what in legalese is called animplied warranty of habitability. In real speak, this means that all tenants are entitled to habitable homes and that landlords must repair housing conditions that impact the health and safety of their tenants, including pest and mold problems and faulty plumbing.
🛠️ How to Request Repairs?
Document the problems: Take photos of the conditions and document the attempts you have made to contact your landlord. Find helpful tools HERE.
Notify the landlord in writing:This can be done by text, email, or letter. Request a read receipt by email or send the letter by certified mail and keep copies of all correspondence. Template letter can be foundHERE.
Request an official inspection: Call the inspection agency in your city to request an official inspection (caution: there is a risk here if you are in an illegal unit). For example, HERE for SF residents or HERE for San Mateo residents.
Reach out for support: If you need additional support, use Legal Link's referral search tool to see what legal support is available in your area or sign up for a caseworker consult with us!
⚠️ KEEP IN MIND ⚠️
Landlords cannot retaliate against you for requesting repairs, including threatening to evict you or disclose your immigration status to authorities.
BEWARE: Withholding your rent due to conditions in your home or repairing something on your own and deducting the cost from your rent can put you at risk(pg. 52 + 55) - seek legal counsel before considering these options!
Community Justice Worker Wins!
We would love to hear more about your wins - small and big! Click on the survey below to share about your effective legal navigation to enter next month's raffle for a $25 gift card!
